TROY – After seeing building proposals for 1 Monument Square fail four times amid public opposition, the city is seeking to build grassroots support for redeveloping the former City Hall site.

Residents and business owners will be asked for their opinions for developing the 1.2-acre site. The city takes this step as it prepares to launch its fifth attempt to utilize the Hudson River site at the south end of Riverfront Park.

The city released its request for proposals Monday looking for a firm to hold a three-day planning session for residents and business owners in May. The results would then be used to guide what developers could propose for the site.

Mayor Patrick Madden said it’s clear the city needs to work with residents and business owners to gain their support for the project by defining the parameters.

The planning session isn't about details, he explained. "It’s about process,” the mayor said.

In the past, the city has seen projects including theaters, commercial, retail and housing move ahead only to be derailed when the community raised issues about the appearance of the buildings and the proposed developments conforming to the 19th century architecture found downtown.

The most recent project, the $22.7 million, 11- movie theater multiplex proposed by Bow Tie Cinema, was attacked for its suburban mall appearance and not fitting into downtown. The company pulled out in 2017 asserting the city was “intentionally misleading” about the 1 Monument Square site.

The city is involved in two lawsuits resulting from the Bow Tie Cinemas' proposal. The movie theater company and Sam Judge of Judge Development Co. each sued the city after the project fell apart.

Residents and business owners who’ve questioned the viability of past projects and their fit into downtown said they were glad city officials were finally paying attention to what the community wants.

“It’s a good step,” said Russ Brooks of River Street, who’s worked with We Care About The Square, a group that sprung up with questions about the design features of projects proposed for the site.

Jim Scully, who owns Bacchus Wood-Fired at 33 Second St., said the city is now listening to the small business owners whose investments have fed Troy’s downtown renaissance.

“My experience is whoever comes forward their funded balance sheet also comes with their hand out for public money,” said Scully.

The city needs to turn to its “grassroots,” said Scully. “The people who have done it. The people who have taken out mortgages to pay for their businesses.”

The three-day charrette, as the guided planning session is called, will include plans for the esplanade along the riverfront in place as well as necessary protections for parkland, which was a source of past controversy, said City Planning and Community Development Commissioner Steven Strichman.